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Update - Cigarette to blame for fire at Wilmington home

Published: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 8:38 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 11:05 a.m.

An "improperly discarded" cigarette is to blame for a house fire early Wednesday morning that destroyed a home, an official said.

Crews were called to 3925 Fawn Creek Drive just before 3 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, the single-family home was "50 percent involved," according to Wilmington Fire Department Battalion Chief David Hines.

"Units took a defensive mode, which means that the major efforts were to protect exposed (neighboring) structures while still knocking down the fire," he said. "Incredibly, there was no damage to ... neighboring exposed structures due only to the decisions and quick actions of the first arriving crews to concentrate their efforts to protect them."

Hines said the house was a "total loss," estimating damages at $150,000.

The occupants were outside when crews arrived. No injuries were reported.

<p>An "improperly discarded" cigarette is to blame for a house fire early Wednesday morning that destroyed a home, an official said.</p><p>Crews were called to 3925 Fawn Creek Drive just before 3 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, the single-family home was "50 percent involved," according to Wilmington Fire Department Battalion Chief David Hines.</p><p>"Units took a defensive mode, which means that the major efforts were to protect exposed (neighboring) structures while still knocking down the fire," he said. "Incredibly, there was no damage to ... neighboring exposed structures due only to the decisions and quick actions of the first arriving crews to concentrate their efforts to protect them."</p><p>Hines said the house was a "total loss," estimating damages at $150,000.</p><p>The occupants were outside when crews arrived. No injuries were reported.</p>